Outgoing council members B.J. Phillips and Marlene Blount, both of whom chose not to seek re-election, took time to thank voters for the opportunity to serve on the Wausau Town Council and work with the residents of the community.

In the reorganization portion of the meeting Councilman Roger Dale Hagan was elected to serve as Chairman of the council and Berna Palmer was elected Vice-Chair.

The Mayor then made the following liaison appointments:

Water Department – Dewayne Carter

Street Department – Paul Culbreth

Fire Department – Berna Palmer

Dealing with other agenda items, council members took the following actions:

Council members voted 4-0 to accept the advice of the Florida Elections Commission and name Judy Carter to fill the vacancy left by the death of recently elected Genene Hicks on the Town Council. Carter will be sworn in at the council’s February meeting.

Approved purchase of a Verizon Tablet and Service through the Town for the Fire Department. Volunteers with the fire department said the purchase was to make reporting to county’s Fire Coordinator easier. Price for the tablet was capped at $800.00.

Authorized the clerk to pull permits for the Easter Parade set for April 8th, Fun/Possum Day set for Aug. 5th, and the 2017 Christmas Parade set for Dec. 9th.

The Clerk reported that 95% of the pets inside the town limits have been registered and there are currently very few calls dealing with animals.

Roger Hagan said the Town’s code enforcement rules are being reviewed/updated and added that he would like to see a monetary fine attached to the ordinance if those facing action are found not to be in compliance within a specified period of time.

Council members were told a draft Flood Control Ordinance from the State of Florida is being reviewed by the Town’s attorney.

Council members were also informed a booster pump installation has begun on the Mudd Hill project.

The Clerk reported that Pan Care Florida will be opening a medical and dental clinic within Wausau one day a month. PanCare of Florida is committed to providing affordable medical and dental services to rural communities throughout Northwest Florida. They take all Medicaid Plans for adults and children for services, as well as many private health insurance plants. There is a sliding fee for those who are uninsured. For more information contact PanCare Florida at www.PanCareFL.org.

The Mayor was directed to sign a FRDAP grant for a splash pad.

Discussed instituting a work order program to keep better track of what’s happening on local projects.

Discussed hiring a part time or full time employee for maintenance work, but took no action.